Analysis of Dato' Bahaman'S Battle Strategies in The Pahang Uprising 1891-1895

International Journal of Civil Engineering and Technology (IJCIET)
Volume 10, Issue 1, January 2019, pp.356–363, Article ID: IJCIET_10_01_033

Available online at http://www.iaeme.com/IJCIET/issues.asp?JType=IJCIET&VType=10&IType=1
ISSN Print: 0976-6308 and ISSN Online: 0976-6316
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ANALYSIS OF DATO’ BAHAMAN’S BATTLE

STRATEGIES IN THE PAHANG UPRISING 1891-
1895
AmnahS. Ismail
Faculty of Defence Studies and Management,
National Defence University of Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Wan Kamal Mujani

Faculty of Islamic Studies, National University of Malaysia, Malaysia
B. Jalal & N. Zainal Shah

Faculty of Defence Studies and Management,
National Defence University of Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
ABSTRACT
Dato’ Bahaman led the Pahang resistance forces against British encroachment in
a series of battles known as the Pahang Uprising. In these battles, Dato’ Bahaman
employed various strategies against the opposing British forces. This article will
analyse the battle strategies used by Dato’ Bahaman against the British by adopting
literature review and content analysis as the methodology. Through this study, it was
found that several strategies such as disguise, retreat, attack, fort building and many
more were used by Dato’ Bahaman and his forces. Dato’ Bahaman executed planned
battle strategies and created a great esprit de corps amongst his men. This shows that
the Malays in the 19thcentury employed well thought out battle strategies combined
with great fighting spirit and courage in confronting their enemies.
Key words: Dato’ Bahaman, Pahang History and Battle Strategies.
Cite this Article: Amnahs. Ismail, Wan Kamal Mujani, B. Jalal and N. Zainal Shah,
Analysis of Dato’ Bahaman’s Battle Strategies In The Pahang Uprising 1891-1895,
International Journal of Civil Engineering and Technology (IJCIET), 10 (1), 2019, pp.
356–363.
http://www.iaeme.com/IJCIET/issues.asp?JType=IJCIET&VType=10&IType=1
1. INTRODUCTION
The Malays are known for their courage in battles especially in defending their land against
intrusion by outside forces. This is evident in a series of armed resistance against colonial
forces in the Malay Peninsula. Figures such as TokJanggut, Dol Said, Mat Kilau, Tok Gajah
http://www.iaeme.com/IJMET/index.asp 356 editor@iaeme.com

Analysis of Dato’ Bahaman’s Battle Strategies In The Pahang Uprising 1891-1895
and Dato’ Bahaman rose to fight against the colonial forces which try to invade their land.
Several opinions pointed out the reason for the uprising was due to discontentment on issues
such as tax collection, power struggle and several other reasons. Whatever the reason behind
the uprising, the Malays proved to be a formidable force who were strong, united and
responsible in defending their rights and motherland [1].
Dato’ Bahaman was a courageous leader who led the locals against the British colonials in
Pahang. The resistance against the British stemmed from the dissatisfaction amongst the
locals on the British interference in their affairs and the introduction of new systems in the
traditional Pahang administration at that time. Dato’ Bahaman was very vocal in criticizing
the British interference. After numerous attempts to reach an agreement with the British
through negotiation failed, the people of Pahang rose against the British in what is known as
the Pahang Uprising. This paper discusses the strategies employed by Dato’ Bahaman and his
forces which inflicted a huge loss on the British colonials as the British were caught off guard
and underestimated the strength and cohesiveness of Dato’ Bahaman and his men [2].
1.1. Background of Dato’ Bahaman and British Presence in Pahang

NoriahSulungwrote about the impressive background and character of Dato’ Bahaman which
gained much respect by friends and foes alike. His real name was Abdul Rahman bin Tuanku
Imam Nuh. He was the son of Tuanku Imam Nuh, who originated from Bangkinang Kampar
Sumatera. His mother was Rokiah Abdul Rahman, the daughter of TokSetia Perkasa
Semantan of Bugis lineage from South Sulawesi. Dato’ Bahaman was very close to Sultan
Ahmad since his childhood days. It started when his parents, TokSaadiah and Tok Noh
moved to Pekan to serve the king. Bahaman was given to Bendahara Ali as a servant.
Bendahara Ali took a liking towards Bahaman and took Bahaman as his adopted son [3].
Bahaman possessed great knowledge and was well versed in language, customs and
traditions, mantras as well as the aborigines’ healing practices. Due to his talent and
knowledge, he was appointed as TokPeran (court jester), hunting master and the head of
servants. When he reached adult age, Bahaman married CikMukut and they were blessed with
four children, one of which was Tok Muda Mat Lela who was involved in the battle against
British colonization.
Bahaman’s excellent character was recognized not only by the locals but also by
westerners who knew him. One of the westerners was Brokenshire who said that Bahaman
was not only influential but also friendly. Clifford, meanwhile regard Bahaman as the best
jungle scout in the Malay Peninsula [4].
The British presence in Pahang not only brought a new dimension to the state
administration but also affected the daily life of the common people in Pahang. The
appointment of the first British Resident in 1888 and the introduction of new laws and system,
in the researchers’ opinion brought about calamities which were not expected by the British.
The people uprising against the British colonization resulted in public disturbances from 1891
to 1895. Bahaman and his men were labelled by the British as terrorists and rebels who
deliberately create disturbances. However, from Bahaman’s point of view, their actions were
regarded as an open protest against the British colonials who tried to meddle in their daily
affairs [5].
In mid-1889, both the British administration and the local traditional administration which
refused to bow to British directives existed side by side. The Collector and the Magistrate
were given the responsibility to collect taxes which were previously under the jurisdiction of
the traditional chieftains. The chieftains were discontented with new laws introduced by the
British and their anger towards the British was further fuelled by the stipends given by the
British which were lower than what they use to get [6].
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Amnahs. Ismail, Wan Kamal Mujani, B. Jalal and N. Zainal Shah
When the situation got unbearable, the traditional chieftains and the common people urged
Dato’ Bahaman to act. Since Dato’ Bahaman was also affected by the new British
administrative rulings, he had to negotiate with British officials, in particular the Governor.
Dato’ Bahaman accompanied by his clerk, Hasan took a sampan through Lake Bera to Johor
where the negotiation was to be held.
The British government proposed Dato’ Bahaman’s monthly allowance to be increased
from $72 to $500 but the proposal was rejected by Dato’ Bahaman as other demands from the
chieftains were not entertained by the British. Even though the negotiation failed, Dato’
Bahaman advised the other chieftains to stay calm for the sake of the common people. Since
the demands of Bahaman and the other chieftains were not met by the British, Bahaman and
his men carried on with their tax collection activities as their means of income. The British
repeatedly forbade Bahaman from collecting tax but was ignored as Bahaman was adamant
not to let foreign forces dictate their administrative affairs. As a consequence, J.P. Rodger
requested Tengku Mahmud to strip Dato’ Bahaman of his post since Sultan Ahmad declined
due to his liking towards Bahaman [7].
Dato’ Bahaman’s action in continuing to collect tax on sampans plying along Semantan
River was a sign of protest against the British. The people did not object nor did they report
the illegal tax collection to the British. The British were furious that Bahaman deliberately
defy their directives [8].
Syers wrote a report based on his observation of the situation in Hulu Pahang where
Orang Kaya To’ Raja (Maharaja PerbaJelai) and Orang Kaya Semantan, who were dubbed as
the despicable ruled. He believed that guns and ammunitions were kept by the locals but he
wasn’t sure of their quantities. He also believed that the people were planning to revolt
against the British. Based on his queries to people in the upriver and the anger of the
chieftains and the common people on the new system introduced by the British, Syers foresaw
a revolt brewing. Due to several issues and the prevailing sentiments, two series of uprising
broke out from 1891 to 1895 [9].
2. RESEARCH METHOD
This study employs the qualitative approach with emphasis on content analysis. This method
was chosen since this study does not involve any statistical analysis or any other quantitative
measurements. Content analysis was chosen as the research design in analysing the strategies
employed by Dato’ Bahaman in the Pahang Uprising. In conducting this study, the
researchers need to browse through books, magazines, journals, articles, manuscripts, notes,
documents, working papers and other written materials in order to extract information on the
subject of study. The information obtained in this study enabled the researchers to gain better
understanding of the research topic [10][11][12].
3. METHODANALYSIS ON DATO’ BAHAMAN’S BATTLE

STRATEGIES
Dato’ Bahaman and his men had very good battle strategies. Having the advantage of local
knowledge, they used their knowledge of Pahang’s terrain to the maximum in fighting the
invading British forces. They used every aspect of nature to plan strategies to overcome the
enemy’s advance into Pahang.
3.1. Sneaking
Amongst the strategy used by Dato’ Bahaman was to sneak between trees in the forest. He
used this strategy especially when he was pursued by Sikh constables who were tasked to
apprehend him in Pasir Dir. He also used roots of spikemoss plant wound over his head and

body as the aborigines would. This startled the Sikh constables who fled and jumped into the
river [13].
Dato’ Bahaman was also known to have the capability of being invisible from the palace
guards and his enemy’s view. He was capable of sneaking between trees so much so that it
was very difficult to trace him. In one incident, Dato’ Bahaman was able to meet Sultan
Ahmad when he arrived in Temerloh despite the presence of Rodger. Selampit who initially
wanted to blowpipe Rodger who was with the Sultan in a boat was advised by Bahaman not
to carry out the assassination so as to avoid hitting the Sultan. Although the Sultan was
surrounded by his guards, Bahaman managed to meet the Sultan to ask for assistance. This
incident proved Bahaman’s ability to sneak in without arousing his enemy’s curiosity [14].
3.2. Restraining British Advance Using Ring-rope

Another strategy used by Dato’ Bahaman against the British was by laying ring-rope on the
river bed in LubukSanggarat. The ring-rope was strung across the river and tied to two
Merbau trees opposite each other on the river banks. Making use of what nature presents,
Dato’ Bahaman and his men will yank the rope as boats carrying British troops passed by.
The boats will overturn and the British troops will be drowned by the strong current. At other
times, they will let the British troops passed by and only on their return trip, Dato’ Bahaman
and his men will employ this strategy. British soldiers who fell into the river will be blow-
piped by Dato’ Bahaman’s men [15].
3.3. Disguise
Disguise was another strategy employed by Dato’ Bahaman. By disguising himself, Dato’
Bahaman was able to infiltrate into the enemy’s fort to obtain useful information. An example
of the information obtained by Dato’ Bahaman using this tactic was the deployment of
Rawanese Malays and Sikh soldiers to Pahang. With the information obtained, Dato’
Bahaman and his men were able to ambush the soldiers by rolling boulders on their path and
blow-piping them. Dato’ Bahaman also succeeded in cutting off communication from Tras to
Selangor by cutting the telegraph cables [16].
3.4. Double Agent

Placing double agents was also another tactic used by Dato’ Bahaman. In one incident, Dato’
Bahaman managed to recruit TokPulut and Haji Osman, both of them were pioneer tin miners
in Selinsing near Kuala Medang Hulu Jelai. TokPulut and Haji Osman pretended helping the
British in order to safe their families and village. In one incident, hungry Sikh soldiers asked
for some food from TokPulut. He served them uncooked wheat porridge which made the
soldiers ill [17].
3.5. Retreat
Dato’ Bahaman also used retreat as one of his strategies. Groups of men, women and children
were formed where the women and children groups were directed to retreat first under the
supervision of DolahSeman and Mat Dahan while the men fought with the enemy. Having the
advantage of local terrain and the surroundings, they were able to retreat deep into the jungle
making it difficult for the enemy to track them [18].
3.6. Engaging in Battle

The second phase of Bahaman’s struggle against the British saw strategies which were steep
with religious sentiment. It was the result of the intervention and advice of Tok Ku Paloh in
Terengganu. The rallying call to help Dato’ Bahaman received a great response from the

people of Terengganu. Sultan Zainal Abidin and other Terengganu chieftains also supported
the call. Tok Ku Paloh through his sermons liken the struggle as a religious war. Dato’
Bahaman was portrayed as a great warrior. Religious sentiments were injected in the struggle
against the infidels. The people of Terengganu made Paloh as their preparation centre. When
they were fully prepared, Tok Ku Paloh sent them into battle equipped with arms which were
inscribed with Quranic verses.
During the battle, Takbir (Allah is Great) were cried out by Dato’ Bahaman’s men. They
fought whole heartedly in the attack of Kuala Tembeling police station where they went on a
rampage and stabbed the Sikh constables with sword and Keris. Five Sikh police constables
died while one was injured in the attack [19].
3.6. Building Fortress

Dato’ Bahaman also built fortresses to defend and control his position. The fortresses were
used to monitor the enemy’s movements and also to plan attacks on enemy positions.
Amongst the fortress built by Dato’ Bahaman was in JeramAmpai, which was located 6
kilometres from Kuala Tembeling. The fortress was seized from 11 Sikh soldiers who were
manning the fortress. Meanwhile MamatKelubi with the help of fifty men were left behind to
man the Kuala Tembeling fortress [20].
4. CONCLUSION
Based on the discussions above, it can be seen that Dato’ Bahaman employed several
strategies against the British forces. Amongst them were using disguise, sneaking, retreat,
double agent and many more. From these strategies, it was evident that Dato’ Bahaman and
his men were well prepared to face the invading British forces. The researchers opined that
based on the strategies employed by Dato’ Bahaman, it was clear that he was an intelligent
strategist, being able to utilised his knowledge and resources to face his enemy. In the second
phase of the uprising, religious sentiments were used to unite and mobilise the fighters, for
instance the cries of Takbir boosted their fighting spirit [21-35].
Based on the discussions, the researchers opined that the Pahang Uprising was a
manifestation of the people’s resentment over the presence of colonials in Pahang. Hugh
Clifford was the first British agent appointed in 1887, but the British kept on pressuring the
Sultan and Malay chieftains to accept a British Resident. Finally, in 1888, J. P. Rodger was
appointed as the first British Resident in Pahang. Meanwhile the analysis on the battle
strategies employed by Dato’ Bahaman Meanwhile the analysis on the battle strategies
employed by Dato’ Bahaman proves that he was a great and intelligent fighter. He utilised his
knowledge on the surroundings and terrain to plan effective strategies against the enemy such
as disguise, sneaking, and retreat. The strategies employed caught the British by surprise
which proved Dato’ Bahaman as a well versed and intelligent Malay warrior and battle
strategist [36-50].
5. ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
This research was carried out under Project GP-K006407, Project GIP-2018-002 and Project
FRGS/1/2016/SSI06/UKM/02/1. The authors would like to thank the Research and
Instrumentation Management Centre (CRIM), UKM and The Ministry of Education, Malaysia
for funding this research.

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Analysis of Dato' Bahaman'S Battle Strategies in The Pahang Uprising 1891-1895

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International Journal of Civil Engineering and Technology (IJCIET)

Volume 10, Issue 1, January 2019, pp.356–363, Article ID: IJCIET_10_01_033

©IAEME Publication Scopus Indexed

ANALYSIS OF DATO’ BAHAMAN’S BATTLE

Wan Kamal Mujani

B. Jalal & N. Zainal Shah

http://www.iaeme.com/IJMET/index.asp 356 editor@iaeme.com

1.1. Background of Dato’ Bahaman and British Presence in Pahang

http://www.iaeme.com/IJCIET/index.asp 357 editor@iaeme.com

3. METHODANALYSIS ON DATO’ BAHAMAN’S BATTLE

http://www.iaeme.com/IJCIET/index.asp 358 editor@iaeme.com

3.2. Restraining British Advance Using Ring-rope

3.4. Double Agent

3.6. Engaging in Battle

http://www.iaeme.com/IJCIET/index.asp 359 editor@iaeme.com

3.6. Building Fortress

http://www.iaeme.com/IJCIET/index.asp 360 editor@iaeme.com

http://www.iaeme.com/IJCIET/index.asp 361 editor@iaeme.com

http://www.iaeme.com/IJCIET/index.asp 362 editor@iaeme.com

http://www.iaeme.com/IJCIET/index.asp 363 editor@iaeme.com

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